A FOOTBALL fan has been banned from attending matches for three years after hitting a police horse.

Stoke City fan Shaun Allen was at the Reebok Stadium for the clash with Bolton Wanderers on August 16.

Allen, of Cross Heath, Staffordshire, was with a group of about 15 Stoke fans who were drinking outside the stadium at 4.45pm, Bolton Magistrates’ Court heard.

A police officer took a can off Allen and asked the group to move on, but Allen became abusive.

Mark France, prosecuting, told the court that Allen struck the horse and ran off, but was arrested by other police officers.

On Friday he pleaded guilty to causing harassment, alarm and distress.

He was given a football banning order, which will last three years and was fined £200. He was also ordered to pay £100 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.